more I consider my own behaviour," said he
"the more I feel myself ashamed of my folly and ingratitude; but you
have taught me, my dear sir, that all I have in my power is to
acknowledge them, which I most willingly do before all this good family,
and entreat Harry to think that the impressions I now feel are such as I
shall never forget." Harry embraced his friend, and assured him once
more of his being perfectly reconciled; and all the family stood mute
with admiration at the condescension of the young gentleman, who was not
ashamed of acknowledging his faults even to his inferiors.

Mr Barlow approved of Tommy's design, and took upon him to answer for
the consent of Mr Merton to his staying some time with Harry; then,
taking his leave of all the company, he departed.

But Tommy began now to enter upon a course of life which was very little
consistent with his former habits. He supped with great cheerfulness,
and even found himself happy with the rustic fare which was set before
him, accompanied, as it was, with unaffected civility and a hearty
welcome. He went to bed early, and slept very soundly all night;
however, when Harry came to call him the next morning at five, as he had
made him promise to do, he found a considerable difficulty in rousing
himself at the summons. Conscious pride, however, and the newly-acquired
dignity of his character, supported him; he recollected that he should
disgrace himself in the eyes of his father, of Mr Barlow, and of all the
family with which he now was, if he appeared incapable of acting up to
his own declarations; he therefore made a noble effort, leaped out of
bed, dressed himself, and followed Harry. Not contented with this, he
accompanied him in all his rustic employments; and as no kind of country
exercise was entirely new to him since his residence with Mr Barlow, he
acquitted himself with a degree of dexterity that gained him new
commendations.

Thus did he pass the first day of his visit, with some little difficulty
indeed, but without deviating from his resolution; the second, he found
his change of life infinitely more tolerable, and in a very little space
of time he was almost reconciled to his new situation. The additional
exercise he used improved his health and strength, and added so
considerably to his appetite that he began to think the table of farmer
Sandford exceeded all that he had ever tried before.

By thus practising the common useful occupations of life,